The Speaker, of the State of Osun House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye on Monday said that Amotekun Corps will assist the police and other security agencies to carry out lawful activities that will maintain law and order in the state.
Owoeye stated this at a public hearing session on Osun Security Network Agency (Amotekun) bill stated that when the bill is passed, it will ensure safe highways, remote areas, waterways, hinterlands among others.
The Speaker held that recruitment of Amotekun Corps will provide avenue to engage youths thereby reducing the rate of unemployment in the state of Osun and other South Western States.
He stressed that, for Amotekun to be successful, the support of all will be needed saying section 24 of the constitution provides that “it shall be the duty of every citizen to make positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress and well-being of the community where he resides”.
The Governor of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola who was represented by the Deputy Governor Mr. Benedict Alabi noted that peace and security is the principal factor for business and investment.
He said, “If Amotekun works, investment windows will be open. Amotekun will give wings to the Osun Economic and Investment Summit as well as the Osun Investment Promotion Agency which are our windows to economic and industrial transformation.
“No State or nation can be stronger than the quality of its laws. Amotekun is as strong as we elect to make it, especially at this public hearing, whose outcomes shall polish and enrich its legal outlook and determine the quality of the peace and prosperity we enjoy”. The Governor emphasised.
National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation (NACOMYO) representative at the public hearing Jamiu Adeyemi harped on the need for Osun House of Assembly to consider putting worship centres among places that Amotekun Corps should be posted to, noting that such places are soft target for criminals.
Prof Aliyu Alao of African Security Forum urged the House of Assembly to ensure that people in the diaspora are actively taken care in the bill.
Afican Security Forum underscored the importance of ensuring annual report on the Amotekun Corps noting that this would create room for checks and balances.
Speaking at the public hearing, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Oba Abdrasheed Olabomi asked that traditional rulers should be involved in the running of the outfit saying that their involvement will be of immense benefits to the actualisation of the Corps.
Also speaking at the event, a traditional ruler, Oba Abdurrosheed Olabomi Odundun, The Aragbiji of Iragbiji submitted that the recruitment of the corps should not be made exclusive to the Chairman of local government, adding that it may be politicised.
He said the Traditional Rulers have greater knowledge of their domains and would be helpful in the recruitment of the corps.
Other groups which included the Muslim Community, Police Community Relations Committee, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Security Agencies and others make their submissions at the Programme.
